Lagos, Nigeria—It was another busy Monday morning. The usual cacophony of honking horns filled the air as impatient drivers struggled to navigate through the heavy Lagos traffic. Among them was Mr. Chinedu Okafor, a 52-year-old businessman, making his way to an important meeting. When the traffic light turned green, his car remained stationary. Annoyed motorists behind him honked relentlessly, expecting him to move.
After a few seconds, a frustrated passerby knocked on his window, demanding he move forward. What they saw sent shockwaves through the crowded intersection—Mr. Okafor was slumped over his steering wheel, lifeless. By the time emergency services arrived, he was declared dead. A quick autopsy revealed he had suffered a massive heart attack—a complication of undiagnosed and untreated high blood pressure (HBP), the silent killer that claims millions of lives annually.
The Growing Epidemic of High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases and mortality worldwide. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” it remains asymptomatic until it causes severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and blindness.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.28 billion adults worldwide have hypertension, with nearly 46% of them unaware of their condition. In Africa, where hypertension awareness and management are critically low, the statistics are even more alarming:
- Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension globally, with over 40% of adults affected.
- Nigeria alone has an estimated 30–35% of its adult population living with hypertension, many undiagnosed and untreated.
- Hypertension contributes to over 500,000 deaths annually in Africa, largely due to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- In Nigeria, hypertension is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths among adults.
The tragic reality is that many individuals, like Mr. Okafor, go about their daily lives unaware that their bodies are under constant strain. Many people suffering from hypertension experience no symptoms until it manifests in catastrophic events like heart attacks or strokes.
Real-Life Consequences of Unchecked Hypertension
- Stroke: Many Nigerians suddenly collapse, unable to move or speak, due to hypertension-induced strokes.
- Kidney Failure: Hospitals across the country are filled with individuals undergoing dialysis because hypertension damaged their kidneys.
- Blindness: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to retinal damage, resulting in irreversible blindness.
In one particularly harrowing case, a 45-year-old woman lost her sight in both eyes due to hypertensive retinopathy. Another man, 50, collapsed at work and never regained consciousness due to a massive stroke caused by uncontrolled blood pressure. These are not isolated incidents but daily realities for many Nigerians and Africans.
Taking Control: Prevention and Management of Hypertension
Hypertension is manageable, and early detection is critical. Regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle modifications (healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and reduced salt intake), and adherence to prescribed medications are essential in preventing complications.
Evans Therapeutics Limited is committed to providing effective solutions for hypertension management. One of their standout products in this regard is TelsartAM-ACT (Telmisartan 40mg + Amlodipine 5mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg). This combination therapy effectively controls blood pressure by reducing vascular resistance, easing heart strain, and preventing fluid retention. As part of the TelsartAM product portfolio, it offers an advanced approach to managing high blood pressure and preventing life-threatening complications.
Reach out to your Pharmacists or our Medical Rep for more information.
The story of Mr. Okafor is a tragic but common one. Many individuals walk around daily, unaware of the ticking time bomb in their bodies. Hypertension, the silent killer, lurks unnoticed until it is too late. Regular check-ups, lifestyle adjustments, and proper medication can prevent untimely deaths and severe complications.
Evans Therapeutics Limited’s TelsartAM-ACT provides a potent solution for effective blood pressure management, ensuring that more Nigerians can live longer, healthier lives.
If you haven’t checked your blood pressure recently, now is the time to do so. Your life might depend on it.
